Betty Meyers-Lund

A lover of life and a lover of people, Betty Meyers-Lund was a blessing to everyone she met. She was bubbly and outgoing with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Betty was a devoted wife and loving mother whose greatest joy was found in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she adored. An active part of the community she loved, Betty never met a stranger and was a beloved teacher who offered her students so much more than the lesson plans that were laid out for the day. Generous, giving, and compassionate, Betty was continually giving of herself in ways both great and small. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and loved ones will forever cherish.

It was great to be an American in the 1920s. Jazz music was hot, radios were our window to the world around us, and motion pictures became available in both color and sound. Cars became more affordable thanks to the widespread implementation of the assembly line, and Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1926 when John and Alta (Keslo) Rentner were focused on an exciting time as they awaited the birth of their new baby as summer appeared on the horizon in June of 1926. The big day finally arrived on June 16th when the baby girl they named Betty June made her grand entrance into the world in Calumet City, Illinois, located near the Indiana border. Because she was born just after midnight, she always celebrated her big day on the 15th.

In many ways, Betty was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked as a switchman for the railroad while her mother worked as a paper counter at the paper mill for a time. The youngest of three children, Betty was raised alongside her sister, Donnabelle, who had a great hand in raising her, and her brother Robert. She was active while growing up as she was a cheerleader in school, participated in swimming and tap dancing, and sang in a trio as well. After graduating from Thorton Fractional High School in 1944, Betty went on to Western Michigan University where she was also a cheerleader. Betty held many interesting jobs that helped support the U.S. during World War II. She was truly devoted to America and felt blessed everyday to be part of this Country. She later received her teaching degree, and shortly thereafter she started teaching in Parchment.

New changes were in store for Betty when she met Robert Allen Meyers. Robert’s best friend was a young man named Chuck who worked on Betty’s aunt’s farm. Although she was a bit unsure of him at first, they began dating and later fell in love. With a desire to establish a life together, they were married in 1947. Together they were blessed with four children, Kim, Mark, Scott, and Lynn. They started off in South Haven, Michigan, and later moved to Plainwell. Although she allowed her children to have pets, Betty was never very fond of them. Animals grew on her, however, since she did adopt one of her children’s dogs, Lucy, later in life. Although her marriage ended in divorce in 1977, Betty was forever grateful for the children they shared.

Brighter days were on the horizon for Betty when she met Donald Lund at a singles club in 1978 where she dragged him out onto the dance floor. They began dating, and after 20 months they were married on November 18, 1980 and have been married 36 years.

Well known within her community, Betty was an active part of the area she called home for much of her life. She spent 33 years working as a teacher. 30 of those years were in Otsego primarily teaching third grade. Betty was also very socially active in a variety of other ways including as a member of the historic preservation society. She also was part of the Chandler flowers on the bridge program for 12 years, the Plainwell Music Society for eight years, and the Mid-Lakes Chorus for nine years. Betty loved dancing and did so throughout her entire life. For years she taught adult reading at the library and also did some tutoring. For many years Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Plainwell.

All who knew Betty would agree that she was truly extraordinary. She was an explorer who had an adventurous spirit and was always open to trying new things. Betty’s motto was to try it before you buy it, and she was just as bubbly about outgoing as they come. Over the years she has influenced approximately 900 former students. Betty traveled all over the world and loved all kinds of music as well as taking in shows at the theater, often a ballet.

Upon meeting Betty Meyers-Lund, it was easy to see that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out after only a few minutes. She was never one to worry about the things she had, rather, Betty’s focus was on how she could give to those around her. Loving and compassionate, she was deeply devoted to her family, and there was nothing she loved more than witnessing her family tree blossom to include the branches of loved ones who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Betty will never be forgotten.

Betty Meyers- Lund died on August 24th at Borgess Hospital. Betty is survived by her 4 children, Kim Meyers (Ginny) CO, Mark (Stacey) Meyers, Scott Meyers (Shelle), Lynn (Jay) Shugars Michigan, her Husband Don Lund, his four children Sheryl (Don) Peck, MI., Deb ( Ron) Lowrance, TX, Laurie Lund, NC, Joy (Edgar) Carreno, CO., 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her siblings, Donnabelle ( Rentner) Mahoney and Robert Rentner. A Memorial Service will be held at the Life Story Funeral home 120 Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI. Saturday, September 12th at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends welcome at 12:30. An ice cream social will be held immediately following the service at the Plainwell Community Center, 798 E. Bridge St, Plainwell. Memorial contributions may be made to The Bright Focus Foundation. (Alzheimer's Disease Research) online: Brightfocus.org (donate) or send to Bright Focus Foundation 22512, Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland, 20871.